Context:

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Navy oil tanker, initially named after gay rights leader Harvey Milk, will be renamed after Medal of Honor recipient Oscar V. Peterson. The renaming aims to eliminate politics from ship naming, as Milk was California’s first openly gay politician. Peterson was honored posthumously for his bravery during World War II, where he managed to keep his ship afloat despite sustaining severe injuries. The move has been criticized by figures like Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who denounces it as a 'vindictive erasure' of those who fought for equality. The decision is part of a broader initiative to remove 'woke' policies from the Department of Defense under Hegseth's leadership.

Dive Deeper:

• The USNS Harvey Milk, named in 2016 under President Obama after the first openly gay politician in California, will be renamed USNS Oscar V. Peterson, a Medal of Honor winner noted for his heroism during World War II.

• Hegseth states the decision reflects an effort to depoliticize ship naming, asserting that the previous administration's choice was influenced by political activism.

• Oscar V. Peterson earned his Medal of Honor posthumously for his valor in the Battle of the Coral Sea, where he sustained fatal injuries while performing actions that saved his ship and crew.

• Critics like Nancy Pelosi argue that the renaming disregards the progress made by leaders like Milk in breaking down societal barriers, particularly during Pride Month.

• The renaming is part of a larger effort by Hegseth to remove Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives from the Department of Defense, aligning with broader political objectives.

• Hegseth emphasizes that the renaming is about instilling pride in naval heritage and valor rather than political statements, distinguishing his policies from those of previous administrations.

• The controversy highlights tensions between honoring military heroism and recognizing historical figures who have impacted civil rights, illustrating the broader cultural and political debates within the military establishment.